Why are China's essential food items so affordable?
You can thank the 38 year old project called the "Vegetable Basket Project" or "菜篮子工程".
Launched in 1988, the Vegetable Basket Project makes local mayors accountable for keeping fresh food available and prices stable, covering everything from vegetables and meat to eggs and fish.
Here's how it works 👇
🥬 Production
Develop dedicated growing zones for vegetables, livestock, fruit and aquatic goods to guarantee consistent stocks of produce.
🚚 Logistics
Invests in wholesale markets, distribution networks and cold storage infrastructure to get food from producers to consumers.
📊 Monitoring
Tracks prices, strengthens emergency reserves and responds to supply shortages.
✅ Accountability
Every city leader receives official national evaluations twice a year.
Bad scores, extreme food price hikes, or supply shortages result in public scrutiny and mandatory policy fixes.
Serious failures directly damage promotions and trigger formal disciplinary investigations.
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This isn't just about growing more food.
It's an integrated system designed to keep essential groceries accessible and affordable for everyday people.
Free markets can only get you so far, you need government involvement and responsibility to ensure outcomes. 🇨🇳
백거짓 유소란 딸인 금서희가 죽게 된 사건이 3·1운동 이후 일본군이 독립운동에 대한 보복으로 경기도 수원군 제암리 주민들을 교회에 모이게 하고 총격을 가하고 불을 질러 학살한 사건 <제암리 학살 사건>을 모티브로 다룬 거 드라마로 보는데도 진짜 가슴 아프다..
✨🇨🇳China has 82,000 senior canteens serving more than 4 million elderly people every day.
- Freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals tailored to seniors’ tastes, served cafeteria-style.
- Affordable prices, with extra discounts for eligible seniors and low-income groups.
- Convenient locations inside residential neighborhoods, as part of the 15-minute convenient living circle.
- Dining areas where elderly residents can socialize instead of eating alone.
- Takeaway and home delivery for seniors who struggle to leave their homes.
A meal costs around $2 on average.
Many operate on a non-profit basis, backed by government subsidies and social donations.
China sets an example for the world. This model deserves to be promoted globally.
It brings huge benefits to society and makes life warmer and easier for older adults.